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Call To Remain Vigilant Against Deadly H5N1
Written by Siti Hajar Wednesday, 05 May 2010 06:24
Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam has not reported any cases of H5N1, also known as Avian Influenza or Bird Flu, so far, but the public has been cautioned and advised to remain vigilant to ensure that health safety is not compromised.
According to the Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awg Haji Suyoi, the Avian Influenza is still considered a health threat and is more "potent" when compared to the H1N1 virus.
"We should still monitor the situation, increase surveillance and not take things too lightly," he said.
After attending the recent international health seminar in Hanoi, Vietnam that focused on animal flu and pandemic, the minister said that suggestions made during the seminar pertaining to H5N1 have already been carried out in Brunei Darussalam.
Though the government's initiatives in ensuring the health of the public is commendable, "We need to sustain our efforts," the minister said.
"Although we do not have H5N 1, it does not mean we will be spared," he added.
Typically found in birds, H5N 1 has the potential to jump to human beings upon close contact and, in worse case scenarios, may lead to death.
According to statistics provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO), a total of 495 cases of H5N1 across 15 countries have been recorded with 292 deaths as of April 21, 2010.
The most recent death caused by H5N1 was recorded in Cambodia where a 27-year-old male succumbed to the virus a few days after developing symptoms similar to influenza such as cough, cold and fever.
The patient prepared and consumed sick poultry seven days before onset of symptoms.
The residents of Brunei Darussalam, meanwhile, have been assured that the poultry produced in the nation are constantly monitored by relevant agencies to ensure that the Sultanate is free from the virus.
According to the Director of Agriculture and Agri-food, Dayang Hajah Normah Suria Hayati binti PJDSMDSU (Dr) Haji Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri, a team to certify that poultry produced in the nation is deemed healthy is dispatched on a daily basis to conduct surveillance, on poultry farms and ensures that farmers as well as operations are kept at an optimum hygienic level.
Dr Hajah Rahmah binti Md Said, Director General of Health Services, said should an outbreak occur in Brunei, a joint contingency plan with the Agricultural Department would be executed.
She said the contingency plan will involve destroying the poultry in the affected farm and staff from the Ministry of Health will monitor the health and safety of the people involved and provide proper medical attention including vaccination.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
Call To Remain Vigilant Against Deadly H5N1
Written by Siti Hajar Wednesday, 05 May 2010 06:24
Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam has not reported any cases of H5N1, also known as Avian Influenza or Bird Flu, so far, but the public has been cautioned and advised to remain vigilant to ensure that health safety is not compromised.
According to the Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awg Haji Suyoi, the Avian Influenza is still considered a health threat and is more "potent" when compared to the H1N1 virus.
"We should still monitor the situation, increase surveillance and not take things too lightly," he said.
After attending the recent international health seminar in Hanoi, Vietnam that focused on animal flu and pandemic, the minister said that suggestions made during the seminar pertaining to H5N1 have already been carried out in Brunei Darussalam.
Though the government's initiatives in ensuring the health of the public is commendable, "We need to sustain our efforts," the minister said.
"Although we do not have H5N 1, it does not mean we will be spared," he added.
Typically found in birds, H5N 1 has the potential to jump to human beings upon close contact and, in worse case scenarios, may lead to death.
According to statistics provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO), a total of 495 cases of H5N1 across 15 countries have been recorded with 292 deaths as of April 21, 2010.
The most recent death caused by H5N1 was recorded in Cambodia where a 27-year-old male succumbed to the virus a few days after developing symptoms similar to influenza such as cough, cold and fever.
The patient prepared and consumed sick poultry seven days before onset of symptoms.
The residents of Brunei Darussalam, meanwhile, have been assured that the poultry produced in the nation are constantly monitored by relevant agencies to ensure that the Sultanate is free from the virus.
According to the Director of Agriculture and Agri-food, Dayang Hajah Normah Suria Hayati binti PJDSMDSU (Dr) Haji Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri, a team to certify that poultry produced in the nation is deemed healthy is dispatched on a daily basis to conduct surveillance, on poultry farms and ensures that farmers as well as operations are kept at an optimum hygienic level.
Dr Hajah Rahmah binti Md Said, Director General of Health Services, said should an outbreak occur in Brunei, a joint contingency plan with the Agricultural Department would be executed.
She said the contingency plan will involve destroying the poultry in the affected farm and staff from the Ministry of Health will monitor the health and safety of the people involved and provide proper medical attention including vaccination.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
